Ahmedabad: Despite the call for austerity measures by the Union govt, Gujarat recorded a sharp 32.4% rise in diesel sales and 15.3% rise in petrol sales in May. According to data provided by oil marketing companies, diesel sales rose by 1.74 lakh kilolitres (KL) in May. Data from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) show that diesel sales in Gujarat rose from 5.37 lakh KL in May 2025 to 7.11 lakh KL in May 2026.Meanwhile, petrol sales also registered healthy growth. Consumption increased from 2.67 lakh KL to 3.08 lakh KL during the month, up 15.3%, translating into an additional 40,840 KL of sales.Among the three state-run retailers, IOC recorded the highest growth in diesel sales at 42.1%, followed by HPCL at 29.1% and BPCL at 23%. In petrol, IOC posted growth of 17.5%, while HPCL and BPCL recorded increases of 14.3% and 13.3%, respectively.According to OMC officials, a significant factor behind the surge in diesel sales at public sector retail outlets was a shift in procurement patterns from bulk consumers to authorised fuel stations.“The Centre requested states and Union territories to form special squads to crack down on malpractices involving bulk consumers and hoarders purchasing supplies meant for retail consumers. Authorities have also been asked to act against black marketing, unauthorised stocking and diversion of petroleum products under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and related control orders,” said OMCs in a statement.Industry associations, too, have been advised to encourage members to procure diesel only through authorised channels. The rise in sales comes against the backdrop of concerns over fuel availability triggered by geopolitical developments. However, public sector OMCs said supplies remain normal across the country.“Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, IndianOil, BPCL and HPCL continue operations and logistics coordination across the country to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG through their nationwide network,” an OMC official said.
